Walking poles aren’t just for people practicing land-skiing – they are a bona fide aid for hillwalkers, mountain trail trekkers and flatland strollers alike. They have several applications, including helping in hill ascents and descents, improving balance while carrying heavy backpacks and increasing the intensity of a walk, building upper-body and back strength.
There are hundreds of trekking and walking pole variations on the market, so we’ve rounded up the very best to help you find the one that will work for you. But first, here are a few facts about the benefits of trekking and walking poles.
Why should I use walking poles?
Walking poles are useful for many reasons and in a number of situations. As Trespass neatly states, “Walking poles or hiking sticks help to share the load of your weight – and any pack that you might be carrying – more evenly across the whole body”. This helps reduce fatigue, increase stability and balance, as well as improve walking speed.
The use of poles can also improve walking posture, reduce stress on knees joints during descents and help to build upper-body strength.
What if I don’t want to use them for the entire walk?
For all of the good they do, walking poles are not always necessary. When walking across flat ground, including your arms in movement can needlessly burn calories, and if you’re scrambling you’ll need your hands to be free.
Thankfully, many walking and hiking daypacks, backpacks and rucksacks come with external straps, loops and pockets. Many of these are specifically designed to carry poles or ice picks. They are positioned to keep them tucked nice and close to the pack, and out of the way of access points to reduce hassle.
Here are our recommendations for the best walking poles:
The best at a glance:
Black Diamond Trial Pole (Pair)
Trekology Trekking Poles (Pair)
Brasher Country Trekker Walking Pole (Single)
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Pole (Pair)
OEX X-Lite Carbon Walking Poles (Pair)
Leki Journey Trekking Pole
The best in detail:
The best trekking and walking poles
1 of 6Black Diamond Trial Pole (Pair)
Black Diamond's Trial Pole is one of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. Designed specifically for terrains up to and including mountainous regions, the poles are made from a light but sturdy aluminium. The foam grips are designed with varying densities, offering a solid grip on both ascent and descent. The carbide Tech Tips are robust, reliable and long-lasting. The FlickLocks are excellent and holding you chosen pole length, and allow for on-the-fly adjustments and quick stowing. All in all, a well-considered and well-made trekking pole.Length: 64cm – 140cmWeight: 490gMaterial: Aluminium
2 of 6Trekology Trekking Poles (Pair)
The Trekology Trekking Poles are ideal for those wanting to try walking poles without breaking the bank. Affordable, well-made and well-featured, Trekology's product has much to give. Constructed from aluminium, these poles feature a telescopic design with metal flip locks. The EVA moulded foam handles are comfy to grip, and the set includes several tip attachments, including the all-important rubberised foot. The pair also come in handy carry bag.Length: 65cm – 135cmWeight: 785g (carry case and accessories included)Material: Aluminum 7075
3 of 6Brasher Country Trekker Walking Pole (Single)
The Brasher Country Trekker Walking Pole is an ultra-lightweight option, featuring carbon construction and telescopic quick-lock mechanisms. There's an inbuilt anti-shock system too, which can be quickly turned on or off depending on the terrain – this feature is great for alleviating wrist impact stress on steep descents. The ergonomic handle is comfortable in-hand, and the wrist wrap is padded for extra comfort. Note that this pole is sold as a single item.Length: 65cm to 135cmWeight: 160gMaterial: Carbon
4 of 6Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Pole (Pair)
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z are an ideal choice for lightweight backpackers and quick-ascenders. Much like the standard Black Diamond Trial Pole, the grip is designed to accurate both uphill and downhill grips and carries Tech Tips (both carbide and interchangeable rubber). Unlike other poles, the Carbon Z comes in a range of set lengths, rather than being adjustable. The poles use Speed Cone Deployment to fold into three for easy transportation and stowing. The absence of FlickLocks, excess pole length and the carbon construction has seriously reduced the overall weight of the poles to an average of 140g each.Length: Variant between 100cm and 130cmWeight: 280g (pair, average)Material: Carbon
5 of 6OEX X-Lite Carbon Walking Poles (Pair)
The OEX X-Lite Carbon Walking Poles uses a combination of lockable, sliding length adjustment and three-section collapsible construction to create a pole that will easily stow onto any daypack. Rather than using a traditional wrist loop, OEX has topped the poles with a wrist glove, which uses a Velcro fastening and neoprene system to provide a sturdy and reassuring grip on the firm cork handles. An extremely strong carbon fibre has been used to reduce the weight, with an individual pole coming in at only 245g each. It's worth noting that these are best for tall individuals, as the overall length won't suit many users.Length: 120cm – 135cmWeight: 490g (pair)Material: Carbon
6 of 6Leki Journey Trekking Pole (Single)
Leki's Journey Trekking Pole is a great trekking pole for those looking to add a little more balance into some of the ascents and descents. Its sturdy aluminium construction is robust and reliable, and its telescopic design is perfect for stowing onto a day pack. The handle's more aggressive grip feels very secure in-hand, and the 275g weight won't burn you out or weigh you down. Note, this is only a single item.Length: 110cm to 145cmWeight: 275Material: Aluminium HTS 6.0
A quick note: use rubber tips where possible to avoid damage and scarring of trails
You have probably noticed that many walking and trekking poles come with interchangeable tips. Often, you’ll have the choice between using a hard metal tip and a rubber foot. Each has its time and place, but one of the most important reasons to change to the rubber foot is to protect our countryside.
The hard metal tips are excellent for piercing grass, snow, and ice, and digging into surfaces for steep ascents and descents. For other, less arduous terrain, the rubber foot will provide ample grip, and will not scratch, chip and damage footpaths, stones and rocks.